Iran hit by extreme heat and water crisis

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that the country could face an “unresolvable situation” unless urgent measures are taken to tackle a deepening water crisis, worsened by extreme heat and declining rainfall.

According to climatologist Maximiliano Herrera, the city of Shahn-e-Bankara recorded a temperature of 52.8°C – potentially the highest on the planet this year, The Guardian reported.

Mass power outages, dried-up dams and severe water shortages have become routine for millions of Iranians. In Tehran and several provinces, water is supplied for only 12 hours a day, while authorities have declared unscheduled public holidays to conserve resources.

Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said Iran is holding talks on possible water imports from Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Tehran has also accused Kabul of blocking water flows from the Helmand River, a critical source for eastern Iran.